Supposed Skeptics?

[FatAndFaithless]

Too often I see critical thinking applied to justify conclusions already reached.

This is similar to Shermer's conclusion that otherwise intelligent people are excellent at rationalizing beliefs. We've all probably wondered from time to time, "How can someone so smart be so stupid?". I've had the opportunity to say this to the man in the mirror on several occasions as my consideration of certain topics has deepened.

The concern I have for we humans is when I combine the notion of rationalization with Kahneman's idea of the fast and slow mind and Haidt's elephant and rider analogy. Unpacking a rationalized belief and drawing a new conclusion based on new information and ideas can sometimes require great effort and perhaps impossible if there is a great deal invested in the belief.

Another big part is that especially in middle-aged and older people, I suspect it's extremely hard to admit to yourself that you've wasted a huge portion of your life investing emotionally (and most times financially) in something that is, if not a lie, a grave mistake.
(EDIT: Realized I pretty much repeated you, but meh, I'll leave it)